I spent the Sunday before my first day of work walking around downtown Squamish to visit a locally-owned coffee shop and grab a bite of sushi.
As I waited in line for a rice milk latte, the conversations I overheard all mentioned one thing – Squamish is quickly changing.
More people are moving to town, housing prices are rising, rentals suites are difficult to find – daycare spots even more so – and there are controversial industrial projects, such as LNG Woodfibre, proposed for land nearby.
It seems like an uncertain, albeit exciting, time for local residents.
Squamish is unique in that it’s a somewhat secluded community halfway between Whistler and West Vancouver, making any changes that much more noticeable.
But, in my experience so far, these developments haven’t altered the small-town vibe of Squamish. When I walk into a restaurant, yes there are a lot of tourists – it’s summer after all – but I often spot local residents saying hi to one another and neighbours stopping to chat on the sidewalk.
Any worry I have, like searching for a daycare spot for my daughter (I finally found one!), is instantly eased when I look up at the tranquil mountains. How could I fret in a beautiful town like this?
I grew up in North Vancouver and have always loved driving to Squamish to visit Shannon Falls or to check out the used books selection downtown.
Previously, I worked as the editor of the Similkameen Spotlight in Princeton and Indulge Magazine (a part of Peace Arch News in South Surrey), as well as a reporter at the North Shore Outlook and the Dawson Creek Daily News.
I’ve written a wide range of stories, from an investigative piece that looked at teen depression rates on the North Shore (which later came in second place in its category in the Local Media Association awards) to entertaining stories about the arts community to profiles on the most influential people in the community.
I’m passionate about community journalism and the wealth of benefits a weekly newspaper has for residents. I want to continue the legacy The Squamish Chief has in town, and I’m excited to delve into the most important issues that are affecting the district.
I’m happy to now call Squamish home.
